Affirmative Action (Theology 4/12)
Affirmative Action, in certain respects, is very essential to our country, even today, despite efforts for greater quality amongst all. Affirmative Action can be viewed as a hindrance to some because it causes a seperation and makes a distinct difference, making equality a harder goal to attain. However, Affirmative Action can be used as a means of attaining this greater equality for all. Once everyone can reach the same goals, Affirmative Action can be removed and finally, everyone can strive with all the same circumstances and opportunities.
Affirmative Action is defined as “the policy and programs established to correct past discrimination in educational and employment opportunities directed against women, blacks, and members of other minorities.” While this holds true, Affirmative Action is also the train of thought in which others can be given opportunities not originally afforded to them. It puts everyone in the same competitive playing field, helping to advance this struggle for equality.
Affirmative Action, at its earliest, was established for minorities, mainly blacks and women. It continues to help these minority groups, and reaches even further to help other minority groups, such as hispanics and asians. By placing in programs that give money to poorer, generally black areas, their ability to break the poverty cycle is enhanced. Enforcing equality opportunity acts in the workplace allows women to compete on the same level as men, permitting them the opportunity to make a living for themselves, just the same as men.
Throughout the ages, Affirmative Action has worked, mainly, to help women and black minority groups. These groups in particular because they are the largest group of the minorities within the United States. Historically, these groups have always been at a disadvantage, and helping them in turn helps all.
As of now, Affirmative Action is still necessary in educational and employment arenas. The black minority groups still struggles to break the cycle of poverty and make a larger life for themselves. Generally, the black community live and raise families, generation to generation, in the same area causing a cycle that is comfortable to them. Pushing through the limits of this comfort zone is very hard to accomplish, and through the help of Affirmative Action, their struggle is lightened. Affirmative Action can allow this minority group to have help, either with life and family planning, or affording them the opportunity to go to college, making them reach higher than past generations. Affirmative Action also helps the community of women in the workforce, mainly. An increasing number of women are attaining higher level degrees, allowing them to compete more closely with their male counterparts. Affirmative Action makes employers practice an equal opportunity in hiring and in the workplace. It also helps to give women opportunities to reach higher levels in their education. Finally, Affirmative Action helps all minorities to break out of the traditional stereotypes and restrictions placed on them previously. Through helping them reach equality in education and employment, a generation based on equal opportunity can be raised, furthering efforts to make all things equal among men (and women).
